Season 1955-56

The rumours of Jack Douglas' veterancy may have had some substance as he retired from playing but took over from Hugh Stone as Treasurer and with Jack's retirement came to an end the successful playing Farren/Douglas Era. John Frankham a wing forward who came from the Midlands was captain whilst two long serving veterans Ken Pooley and Reg Gurling were captain and vice captain respectively of the A side and Ron Garvey was John Frankham's deputy.

In a 1st XV playing record of 17 wins 12 defeats and 4 draws there were a couple of nail biting finishes, 16-16 at Salcombe - the return was cancelled - and 21-22 at Dartmouth against the Royal Naval College - (the College had won at Estover 3-14) Oldham were (welcome) Easter visitors defeating the Club 0-6 whilst for the first time we made the acquaintance of ‘C’ Division of the Metropolitan Police who were to become staunch friends and opponents for several seasons; on this occasion, by way of introduction, they combined with Plymouth Police and were successful 6 -17.

The A side broke precisely even W13 L13 D1. The Extra A had 29 fixtures recorded but no less than 14 cancellations although reasons are not shown save that all sides suffered a number of cancellations - doubtless weather - in February, of games played 5 were won 12 lost, 121-206. During the season a difference of opinion arose with the Committee of the Plymouth and District Rugby Combination the latter wished to select certain Argaum players for their Combination team at a time when the Club was not prepared to release them - and the players expressed their preference to play for the Club. As a consequence Argaum withdrew their affiliation and, therefore, lost the assistance of the panel of Combination referees who had officiated at home games for the A side and Extra A side. The void was manfully filled by former players, particularly Bill Farren, Frank Kingwell, Ray Twiss and George Finnie not to mention one or two who had not previously considered their capabilities as referees - and doubtless it showed! Midway through the season Tom Blackburn, a generous, enthusiastic, hard working, popular and much liked President left the Plymouth area for the Midlands to be replaced by one of his business colleagues - who must have become imbued with Tom's enthusiasm for the Club - Ted Delve. During the season a club badge came into being.